Deutsche Grammophon announced the exclusive signing of Grigory Sokolov, one of the world’s most enigmatic and visionary artists, in 2014. The revered Russian pianist, born in Leningrad in 1950, is known for the spellbinding subtlety and endless variety of his tone, the vast depths of his musicianship and the spiritual intensity of his music-making.

Sokolov is also known for what he does not do: he no longer performs with orchestras, nor on pianos that are more than five years old. He makes no studio recordings and is reluctant to do interviews, feeling more comfortable expressing himself through his music. In an uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence, he always demands at least double the rehearsal time expected by his peers prior to every recital – and, as if in return, gives double the amount of encores. In short, his pursuit of perfection is all-consuming.

His first album for the Yellow Label, a recital of works by Mozart and Chopin recorded live at the 2008 Salzburg Festival, is set for global release in January 2015. This will be his first new album for almost 20 years – since a Schubert Sonatas disc, recorded in 1992, came to the market in 1996.

The teenage Sokolov first attracted global attention after his sensational victory at the 1966 Moscow International Tchaikovsky Competition. He has since captivated pianophiles around the world with interpretations of exceptional nobility and the utmost individuality and insight. Sokolov’s sought-after recitals remain unique, as he performs the same program across up to 70 concerts in a year, altering one half in January, and one in October. Encores in abundance are a specialty, and always expected from his legion of devoted concert-followers.

Mark Wilkinson, President of Deutsche Grammophon, commented: “The wait is finally over, as we warmly welcome Maestro Sokolov to the Yellow Label, and herald a new and rare album release. Inspiring complete devotion from his extraordinary army of fans, many of whom aim to attend every single one of his extraordinary concerts, he is an ‘anti-star’ par excellence. Critics and pianophiles alike have known of his work for many years, and we now want to connect the broadest possible audience with this life-affirming, revelatory and enigmatic artist.”

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